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Extremely stormy this morning (Tuesday/Mar 10) with very high wind speeds and lots of rain! Rain turned to snow about mid-way through the day and continued to dump. Storm is expected to continue through tomorrow (Wednesday/Mar 11) with heavy snowfall, winds hopefully dying down a bit in the evening. Conditions…

I’m no stranger to BBQs, but last weekend’s Scenic Yakiniku Night in Niseko Town was a little different from what I’m used to. I mean, a snowy setting, dozens of little fires, and a hundred people cooking for themselves? I was a little unsure, especially as I don’t like being…

Extremely stormy this morning (Tuesday/Mar 10) with very high wind speeds and lots of rain! Rain turned to snow about mid-way through the day and continued to dump. Storm is expected to continue through tomorrow (Wednesday/Mar 11) with heavy snowfall, winds hopefully dying down a bit in the evening. Conditions…

THIS is the last issue of Powderlife for the 2011/2012 season and those who decided to spend the winter in Niseko instead of Europe or the US have been rewarded with record snow, as Hokkaido was swept with some of the heaviest snowfall in decades.

First tracks were in mid November and the beginning of December saw the best early season dump of powder in 50 years, according to Japanese media. Word spread quickly, with visitor numbers picking up fast in late December and January.

While non-stop snowfall for weeks on end is not uncommon here, we’ve had some quite unusual cold snaps with temperatures hovering around -20 degrees Celcius. Niseko, like other parts of Japan, was pounded with blizzards a few times, but we also had more bluebird days in January and February than in previous years. All in all the conditions have been – and still are – fantastic.

WHILE late February and March usually see fewer visitors in Niseko, this year will be different because one of the most important events of the season is about to start.

Hundreds of airline employees are beginning to arrive, with many of them preparing for the World Airline Ski Championships (WASC), which will be held in Niseko Village. It’s the first time Niseko will host this event, and it will be a good opportunity to showcase the assets of the area to the well-travelled participants. It’s likely they will spread the word about skiing destination Niseko.

While participation in the WASC is closed to airline members only, you are of course encouraged to come and cheer. If you would like to show off your own skiing or snowboarding skills and win prizes from Burton and Oakley, head to Hanazono for the straight jump competition, which is open to everyone.

WHILE late February and March usually see fewer visitors in Niseko, this year will be different because one of the most important events of the season is about to start.

Hundreds of airline employees are beginning to arrive, with many of them preparing for the World Airline Ski Championships (WASC), which will be held in Niseko Village. It’s the first time Niseko will host this event, and it will be a good opportunity to showcase the assets of the area to the well-travelled participants. It’s likely they will spread the word about skiing destination Niseko.